SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
Mikumi National Park
Little Serengeti
Big 5
All Present
UNESCO
World Heritage
Best: Year-round
The Story
Africa's Iconic Wilderness
Mikumi National Park lies between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range, just 4 hours from Dar es Salaam. Often called "Little Serengeti" for its open grasslands, it offers accessible wildlife viewing for short safaris.
The Mkata floodplain dominates the park, attracting large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra. Lions are regularly spotted lounging on kopjes, while elephants roam the miombo woodlands.
Why Visit
Destination Highlights
4 hours from Dar es Salaam
Serengeti-like plains
Easy wildlife spotting
Mkata Floodplain wildlife
Weekend safari destination
Hippo pools
Wildlife
Animals You'll Encounter
ElephantLionBuffaloZebraWildebeestGiraffeHippoCrocodileWild Dog
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Mikumi National Park offers remarkable wildlife viewing year-round, but each season brings its own unique spectacle. The dry season concentrates animals around water sources, while the wet season brings lush landscapes and newborn animals.
Year-round
dry season (June-October) for best wildlife concentrations
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